About

The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs empowers Iowa to build and sustain culturally vibrant communities by connecting Iowans to the people, places and points of pride that define the state. The department coordinates its mission through its three divisions:

Iowa Arts Council

The Iowa Arts Council is committed to cultivating creativity, learning and participation in the arts. Established in 1967, the Iowa Arts Council serves as Iowa’s state arts agency and works in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts to build the capacity of Iowa’s arts ecosystem. The Iowa Arts Council strives to create opportunities for the arts to flourish in Iowa by nurturing cultural leadership and investing in projects that provide access to arts experiences in communities and public spaces throughout Iowa.

Produce Iowa — State Office of Media Production

Launched in 2013, Produce Iowa is the official State Office of Media Production. Its mission is to promote and facilitate media production in the state in order to develop a more sustainable creative economy in Iowa. Produce Iowa helps to connect the media producer’s wants and needs to the resources and solutions in our state. An essential tool is its Media Production Directory available 24/7 with Iowa crew and business listings along with a location database of available properties for filming. This free service brings job opportunities to everyone in the state. The office also supports community film festivals and educational experiences to engage Iowans and encourage their cultural storytelling.

State Historical Society of Iowa

The State Historical Society of Iowa has been a trustee of Iowa’s historical legacy since 1857. With a dual mission of preservation and education, it maintains a museum, archives & historical libraries, preservation office, and eight historic sites. These bureaus preserve and provide access to Iowa’s historical resources through a variety of statewide programs, exhibitions and projects while serving as an advocate for Iowa’s past and connector to the future.